August 2016 Beauty Loves: Pregnancy Glow Edition

Pregnancy glow: it’s one of the few symptoms of pregnancy that we actually hope to have. As someone who has struggled with skin issues of all kinds, I dreamed that pregnancy’s cocktail of hormones would transform me into the glowing, smooth-faced goddess I’ve always aspired to be. Unfortunately the change wasn’t that dramatic. I did stop getting the dreaded hormonal acne that normally accompanies my time of the month, though. If you aren’t naturally glowing, don’t fret, there are steps you can take in your pregnancy skincare routine to make you feel as though you are.

Shea Moisture 100% Pure Argan Oil

I’m a big fan of Shea Moisture’s products in general. With good (certified organic) ingredients, a cruelty free guarantee, and affordable prices, it’s hard not to like them (Fun fact too – their company is based in my hometown!). However I did not purchase this product for myself. My mom got it for me. She’s had four children and has zero stretch marks to show for it, and sent this to me as a “preventative measure” (Side note: It’s perfectly okay to have stretch marks – if you have them, embrace them!). I use it daily as a body moisturizer – a few drops go a long way – and it completely relieves my dry, itchy skin, especially around my belly. No need to reapply throughout the day either. I can’t say it’ll stop stretch marks from coming, though.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

This is a well-known cult product in Japan. I picked this up at a Japanese market in Hawaii after reading so many raves about it. Exfoliating is one of the best and easiest ways to make your skin glow. It removes dead skin cells, revealing the brand new skin underneath. I try to exfoliate about two or three times a week. To use this gel, you spread it on your face, wait a few moments, and gently rub it into your dry, clean skin in circular motions. Eventually, you’ll start to see clumps of skin and product ball up and come off. It’s cool, gross, and satisfying all at the same time. The formula is fragrance and alcohol free and contains plant extracts, making it gentle enough for my sensitive skin (no post-exfoliation redness!).

Shea Moisture African Black Soap

This soap’s not very photogenic. Focus on the cute soap dish instead.

I use this soap every single morning for an instant brightening effect. First off, it lasts forever. I’ve had the same bar for over a year and can maybe go a few more months before replacing it. In the past, I struggled with endless cycles of hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation. Since using this soap, my scars heal in a matter of weeks. This is a big deal for me, as I was used to seeing six-month-old scars remain on my face along with a monthly crop of new ones. Unlike products geared towards acne, though, this soap does not leave my skin feeling dry and tight. Now I can go out in public without foundation and little children won’t ask me what all the spots on my face are. As I mentioned above, this company uses safe, natural ingredients. It’s my unicorn!

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

If you’re savvy on Japanese skincare – or if you’ve walked through Sephora looking for the most expensive skincare items – you’ve likely come across the brand SK-II. While the prestige of the brand is tempting for me, I can’t see myself at 25-years-old spending hundreds of dollars on anti-aging skincare.

Word is that the Korean company Missha makes a dupe for SK-II’s famed essence for a fraction of the cost. Essence gives an extra boost to your skincare regimen and to me, it’s an essential step. You can follow up cleansing with an essence to add extra moisture and beneficial ingredients to your skin. I’ve never used SK-II so I can’t say how it stacks up, but I do love Missha’s essence. As soon as I pat it on, my skin looks visibly brighter and hydrated, as if I had a facial. The effect is still noticeable the next morning. Plus, Missha is a cruelty-free brand!

DHC Cleansing Oil

This is another product that has achieved cult status in Japan. If you’ve never used a cleansing oil before, you need to try one. If you want glowing skin, it’s an absolute must to cleanse your face every day and remove all traces of makeup. I typically use a two-step cleansing method – first an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup, followed by a traditional liquid/foaming cleanser to deep-clean. This stuff cuts through everything: waterproof mascara, my strongest setting spray, smudge-proof eyeliners, matte lipsticks, you name it. And there’s no harsh rubbing involved either. If you’re worried about it causing breakouts or leaving a greasy residue, I’ve been using this stuff for years and haven’t had anything like that happen yet. It’s olive oil-based, so it’s gentle and smells just like olive oil, yum!

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meet kimba

Welcome, dear reader! I'm a creative-minded new mom always on the lookout for my next adventure. Here you'll find stories and articles about travel, motherhood, DIY crafts, and making a home. Stay a while and find the inspiration to start living your adventure.